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The English Heritage Podcast

The English Heritage Podcast

By: English Heritage
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Every object has a story to tell. But how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? In the English Heritage podcast, comedian and writer Amy Matthews brings you entertaining tales from unexpected places. Each week, we begin with a mystery item and with the help of English Heritage experts and special guests, Amy explores what our past can tell us about our present and perhaps our future. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.All rights reserved World
Episodes
  • Laurence Olivier: The making of an icon

    Laurence Olivier: The making of an icon
    Jul 2 2026
    Sir Ian McKellen recently unveiled an English Heritage Blue Plaque at 22 Lupus Street in London’s Pimlico. That was the childhood home of the man many still regard as the greatest actor of the twentieth century: Sir Laurence Olivier. We were there to capture the moment, including a remarkable impromptu performance of Shakespeare’s Henry V’s speech before Agincourt, delivered from the steps of the house just before revealing the plaque! Join Amy and English Heritage historian Howard Spencer as they explore what made Olivier an extraordinary talent. Alongside Sir Ian, hear from the Guardian’s Michael Billington who witnessed many of Olivier’s legendary stage performances; Society of London Theatre President Kash Bennett; and Indhu Rubasingham, Director of the National Theatre, which was founded by Olivier. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a theatrical giant whose influence continues to shape theatre and acting today. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.*    Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠     The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.    *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Coastline Special 2: Shorelines, ships and the secrets of trade

    Coastline Special 2: Shorelines, ships and the secrets of trade
    Jun 25 2026
    England’s coastline isn’t just a story about keeping invaders at bay. For centuries, our shorelines were bustling gateways, connecting communities through trade, travel and the everyday goods arriving by sea. It’s a story that pre-dates fortification and invasion, revealing the heart of the close and enduring relationship between English communities and the sea. Plus, it might well be behind our love of cheese! Join Amy as she explores the hidden history of England’s maritime past with Craig Lambert, Professor of Maritime History at the University of Southampton, and Win Scutt from English Heritage. You can watch our coastal series as well as listen to it - either on Spotify or go to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EnglishHeritage Don’t forget to follow this podcast wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠  Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.*    Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠     The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.    *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Seeking Sanctuary: Fleeing conflict in the Middle Ages

    Seeking Sanctuary: Fleeing conflict in the Middle Ages
    Jun 18 2026
    Throughout the ages, people have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict and instability and find refuge in another country - or a different part of their own country. In this episode of the English Heritage Podcast, host Amy Matthews sits down with English Heritage historian Dr Will Wyeth and Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge Prof Bart Lambert to look at that phenomenon across the Middle Ages, in particular during the Wars of Independence in Scotland and the Hundred Years' Wars in France and the Low Countries. Together they discuss how during this period, refugees came from all social levels, from nobility, clergy and the political elite to the poor, especially women. This episode reveals the everyday realities of seeking safe haven in the medieval world and challenges the common assumption that medieval people rarely travelled far from home. Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.* Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠ The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
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Lovely way to escape and unwind while learning or relearning history. I'm working my way through all the episodes. Thoroughly enjoyable. Great for my two twenty something daughters too, they listen while cooking!

Great way to access history

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My most favourite episodes are the 'Ask the experts episodes. I love the variety of time periods.

Fantastic and informative

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